Have you ever tried vegan cheeses? Do you think it may have more benefits than dairy products? So keep reading that in this article we will tell you more about it.
vegan diet It can also be known as strict vegetarianism. These people are characterized by abstaining from eating meat and any food of animal origin. This category includes products such as milk and its derivatives, eggs and all products of animal origin.
What is Vegan Cheese?
One of the favorite foods is cheese. The variety is huge and the consumption options are endless. However, many people have had to stop taking it due to medical conditionssuch as lactose intolerance or milk protein allergy.
On the other hand, other people on their own initiative, they have opted for a dairy-free lifestyleAs the veganswhose presence has increased in recent years globally and locally.
The traditional cheeses we know they are made of caseina type of milk protein obtained from animals such as cows, goats and sheep. During production, a group of enzymes generated in the animals’ stomachs, known as rennet, is added to the milk.
Moreover, Vegan or vegetable cheeses are made from plantsusually organic and provides for the consolidation of the protein mass from various vegetable sources, such as soybeans, solidified vegetable oils, nutritional yeasts and cereals.
Since this type of cheese does not undergo the natural process of protein maturation, it does not have the flavor profile of a dairy cheese that has aged.
Benefits of eating vegan cheeses
As we have seen, the vegan cheeses have their own characteristics that make them different of cheeses of animal origin. But, in addition, these have a number of truly exceptional benefits that make them an ideal food to include in any type of diet.
- The great advantage of leaning towards these products is this They have a much lower amount of cholesterol and fat compared to animal-based alternatives. This reduces the risk of suffering from obesity, diabetes, heart problems and some types of cancer.
- As for protein, vegan cheeses contain 1 to 2 grams of protein per serving. So It constitutes a good protein intake.
- Another outstanding benefit of eating vegetable cheeses is its high mineral content, such as phosphorus and potassiumBoth are very necessary for the proper functioning of the nervous system and for the maintenance of our muscles.
There are 3 large groups of vegan cheeses
First of all, it’s made from tofu. Tofu is also called the cheese of vegans. It is nothing but fermented soybeans. This fermentation gives the appearance of a vegan fresh cheese with a high protein level.
In second place are cheeses made from coconut fat and starch (usually potatoes). These cheeses reach the characteristic consistency of cheeses of animal origin.
And thirdly, nut cheeses. The two most commonly used nuts are cashews and almonds. As a disadvantage, it is very difficult to mask the taste of cashew or almondbut if you turn this drawback around, you’ll have original flavors.
How many types of vegan cheeses are there?
In Spain, the variety of cheeses of animal origin is countless, with more than 200 denominations. Vegan cheeses have only been around for a few decades, but gradually the varieties grow. Here is a list of vegan cheese varieties that you can try:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- vegan mozzarella
- Vegalloumi, the cheese to eat hot
- vegan cheddar cheese
- smoked vegan cheese
Where can they be obtained?
Vegan cheeses can be found at grocery storessuitable for vegans“ and in healthy and organic food stores, as well as vegan fairs and restaurants.
Finally, if you want to make a delicious vegan cheese yourself, we will tell you how to do it below.
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